Calgary City Council Approves Beltline BIA Expansion in Unanimous Vote

On September 9, 2025, Calgary City Council voted 14–0 to approve the expansion of the Beltline Business Improvement Area (BLOX). This decision means that for the first time, the entire Beltline is covered by a BIA, giving hundreds of new businesses access to the collective benefits of community advocacy, events, marketing, and public space improvements.

Building Together

This milestone follows more than a year of conversations with local businesses and property owners. Since August 2024, the Beltline BIA reached out through mailed notices, newsletters, social media, posters, and even radio ads. Staff knocked on doors, delivered engagement packages, and hosted open houses and public information sessions. The message from majority of businesses was clear: there was strong interest in joining a collective effort to improve the Beltline for everyone.

What It Means for Businesses

The BIA is funded through a levy based on assessed property value. Currently, contributions average $1,328 annually with a median of $422—already among the lowest of Calgary’s 15 BIAs. With more than 300 new members joining, that pool of contributors has grown significantly, meaning costs could become even lower as they are shared across a larger base of businesses.

Leadership Statements

“This decision allows more businesses to benefit from collective representation and investment in the Beltline,” said Katie Thies, Executive Director of the Beltline BIA. “The unanimous support from Council reflects the confidence in the role BIAs play in strengthening Calgary’s business communities.”

“Many were surprised to learn that the entire Beltline, with its diverse mix of businesses, wasn’t already fully covered by a BIA,” added Councillor Courtney Walcott. “This expansion closes that gap and ensures the whole district is now supported by a community of businesses working together to improve the Beltline.”

Community Voices

Businesses that are already part of BLOX shared what the BIA has meant for them—and what expansion means for the neighbourhood as a whole.

For some, it’s been about connection.

“The networking opportunities and resources I’ve gained through the BIA have been invaluable in growing my business,” said Kelly Choo of T.Sand Studios. “Their insights into the Beltline and support for local businesses gave me the confidence to move forward.”

For others, the impact has been felt on the street.

The Bike Shop, a Beltline staple for more than 50 years, pointed to events like their annual Free Bike Tunes and Tune-ups: “The BIA has helped bring the community together and fostered connections between businesses and residents,” said Craig Vermette.

Cleanliness and safety have also stood out.

A representative from Massage Heights noted how graffiti removal and area maintenance have made the Beltline more inviting, while Virginia Borges of REGRUB shared that their business hasn’t had a broken window in two years thanks to the BIA’s efforts to address social challenges and support businesses directly.

And for others, it’s about putting the Beltline on the map.

“The BIA has drawn more people to the neighbourhood with cultural events and has done so much to shine a light on local businesses,” said Adam Seguin of Last Best Brewing.

Together, these stories show how businesses are already seeing the benefits of working collectively—and why expansion is a win for the whole community.

Growing Stronger

The expansion brings 329 new businesses into the Beltline BIA, more than doubling its size from 320 to 649 members. This growth cements BLOX as one of the largest BIAs in Calgary’s downtown core, strengthening its ability to support local businesses and make the Beltline an even better place to live, work, and visit.

About the Beltline BIA (BLOX)

Established in 2019, with operations beginning in 2020, the Beltline BIA (BLOX) is a non-profit, member-funded organisation that supports businesses and invests in the Beltline through advocacy, events, and improvements to public spaces. Our goal is simple: to help businesses thrive while making the Beltline a more welcoming and connected community for everyone.